Updated Easy-Ripe generator and prototypes will feature at CPMA

Norfolk, Va.-based Catalytic Generators will showcase a redesigned Easy-Ripe ethylene generator used in the fruit ripening process at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Convention and Trade Show April 2-4 in Montréal, Quebec.

This update is a more efficient and convenient version of the U.S. and Canada Easy-Ripe generator, exclusive to these countries and stainless steel unlike the 220v European model, said Katlynn Ketchum, marketing and business development strategist.

In 1973, Catalytic Generators patented the process of producing ethylene in ripening rooms, according to the company’s news release. The system consists of a catalytic-type generator that converts a liquid concentrate, called Ethy-Gen II, into safe levels of ethylene, which is a natural plant hormone produced by many fruits.

The new modified Easy-Ripe generator features a specially designed tank which holds the ethylene-creating Ethy-Gen II ripening concentrate, according to the release. A new liquid-indicating cap provides better security and integrates a liquid level indicator to better keep aware of levels. Another new feature of the ethylene generator is ethylene monitoring and control.

“Over the years, our generators have always provided dependable ethylene output in the range required by the user, but we wanted to provide even better accuracy by connecting devices equipped with ethylene sensors and control modules. So, we’ve given the generator the ability to be connected and controlled by industrial control systems,” Catalytic Generators CEO and president Greg Akins said in the release.

The new Easy-Ripe can connect to most any programmable logic controller in modern ripening rooms, according to the release.

Catalytic Generators is also working on two new products that monitor and control ethylene levels in ripening rooms, de-greening rooms and storage rooms, to be released later in 2019. The company will have prototypes on display at CPMA’s conference, at booth 1910.